Jan 22, 2013

Browse pictures of the festivities surrounding the official start to President Obama’s second term, including inaugural balls and the week of preparations in Washington, D.C.

: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance during the Commander-In-Chief Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together during the Comander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama was sworn-in for his second term of office earlier in the day. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama sing together as they dance during the Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together during the Commander-In-Chief’s Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama dance with members of the military during the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: Singer Alicia Keys performs during the Public Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden wave goodbye after dancing during the Comander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (2nd L) and Dr. Jill Biden (L) shake hands with actor and musician Jamie Foxx (R) after he sang while they danced at the Comander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: Singer Jamie Foxx performs during the during the Commander-In-Chief’s Inaugural Ball January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: Singer Jamie Foxx arrives to perform during the Commander-In-Chief’s Inaugural Ball January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: Singer Marc Anthony performs during the Commander-In-Chief’s Inaugural Ball January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: Singer Brad Paisley performs during the Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. U.S. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

: Singer Jennifer Hudson performs during the Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama kiss while dancing at the Commander and Chief Ball at the Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama and Biden attended Inauguration balls after being ceremonially sworn in for a second term leading the United States earlier today. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Commander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais-Pool/Getty Images)

: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk on stage for their first dance together at the Commander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais-Pool/Getty Images)

: Recording artists Jay-Z and Beyonce arrive at the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive for the Comander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball at the Walter Washington Convention Center January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama gives his inauguration address during the public ceremonial inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

: Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama shake hands as thousands look on. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath of office to U.S. President Barack Obama as first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha look on. (REUTERS/Jim Bourg)

: U.S. President Barack Obama at the podium. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during swearing-in ceremonies. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

: Spectators react on the National Mall during the 57th inauguration ceremonies. (REUTERS/Eric Thayer)

: Beyonce is greeted by U.S. President Barack Obama after her performance during inauguration ceremonies. (REUTERS/Rick Wilking)

: U.S. President Barack Obama recites his oath of office (REUTERS/Jim Bourg)

: U.S. President Barack Obama arrives on stage. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

: U.S. President Barack Obama is seen during his second presidential inauguration. (REUTERS/Win McNamee)

: First lady Michelle Obama looks on as U.S. President Barack Obama is greeted by Vice President Joe Biden as he arrives for his swearing-in ceremonies. (REUTERS/Jason Reed)

: Former president Bill Clinton shakes hands with former president Jimmy Carter. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

: Stephen McCarter, of Chesterfield, Virginia, stayed overnight with friends so that he could be on the National Mall early for the inauguration. (Andre Chung/MCT)

: U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) arrives for the presidential inauguration. (REUTERS/Win McNamee)

: People sit on a wall at the National Mall. (REUTERS/Eric Thayer)

: A souvenir flag is seen at the National Mall. (REUTERS/Eric Thayer)

: Catering staff prepare for the luncheon, which follows the inauguration ceremony. (REUTERS/Benjamin Myers)

: The daughters of President Barack Obama, Sasha and Malia, arrive for the swearing-in ceremonies for their father. (REUTERS/Jason Reed)

: Obama arriving at St. John’s prior to the inauguration. (REUTERS/Joe Skipper)

: Obama arrives at St. John’s Church for a service prior to inauguration ceremonies. (REUTERS/Joe Skipper)

: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, talk with Reverend Luis Leon outside St. John’s Church prior to inauguration ceremonies. (REUTERS)

: Placemarks are set for the Obama and Biden families on stage. (REUTERS)

: Crowds gather on the mall hours before the inauguration ceremony is scheduled to begin. (Oliver Douliery/MCT)

: War veterans line up to watch the ceremony. (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)

: Revelers don 2013 glasses. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/Getty Images)

: US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia arrive at St. John’s Church hours before Obama participates in a ceremonial swearing in for a second term in office. (Nicholas KAMMNICHOLAS/Getty Images)

: U.S President Barack Obama (L) takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as first lady Michelle Obama holds the bible and their daughters Malia and Sasha (L-R) look on in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington, January 20, 2013. (Larry Downing/Reuters)

: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as first lady Michelle Obama holds the bible and their daughters Malia (C) and Sasha (2nd R) look on in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington on January 20, 2013. (Larry Downing/Reuters)

: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts (R) administers the oath of office as US President Barack Obama is sworn in for a second term as President in the Blue Room of the White House on January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama was officially sworn in for his second term as the 44th President of the United States during the 57th Presidential Inauguration but will also participate in a ceremonial swearing in on Monday. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) kisses a member of his family after taking the oath of office during the official swearing-in ceremony at the Naval Observatory on January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. Biden and U.S. President Barack Obama will be officially sworn in a day before the ceremonial inaugural swearing-in. (Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Images)

: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) kisses a member of his family after taking the oath of office during the official swearing-in ceremony at the Naval Observatory on January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. Biden and U.S. President Barack Obama will be officially sworn in a day before the ceremonial inaugural swearing-in. (Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama pays his respects after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on January 20, 2013. Obama and Biden will be officially sworn in for a second term in office later in the day. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on January 20, 2013. Obama will be officially sworn in for a second term in office later in the day. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) greets people at the U.S. Capitol building as Washington prepares for U.S. President Barack Obama’s second inauguration on January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

: Musician James Taylor sits with Choir Director Carol Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at the U.S. Capitol building during rehearsal as Washington prepares for U.S. President Barack Obama’s second inauguration on January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. Both Obama and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will be officially sworn in today with a public ceremony for the President taking place on January 21. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

: A U.S. Capitol Police officer patrols the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama will be officially sworn in for his second term today during a short private ceremony at the Blue Room of the White House. A full public ceremony will be held at the West Front of the Capitol on Monday. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

: A worker prepares to wipe down chairs, set up in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 20, 2013 in Washington, DC. Washington is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

: The First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during the children’s concert at the Washington Convention Center to celebrate military families on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: The First Lady Michelle Obama (L) is hugged by Jill Biden during the children’s concert at the Washington Convention Center to celebrate military families on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: First lady Michelle Obama, flanked by Sasha and Malia, attend the Kids Inaugural Concert at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Saturday, January 19, 2013. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

: Jaelen Franco (C), son of a Navy corpsman speaks as Jill Biden (L), wife of U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and J.R. Martinez (R) watch at the Kids Inaugural concert for children and military families, one of the events ahead of the second-term inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: The musician Usher sings during the children’s concert at the Washington Convention Center to celebrate military families on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capitol is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: Kev Nish (R) of Far East Movement performs at the Kids Inaugural concert for children and military families, one of the events ahead of the second-term inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: The musician Katy Perry sings during the children’s concert at the Washington Convention Center to celebrate military families on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: The musician Katy Perry sings during the children’s concert at the Washington Convention Center to celebrate military families on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

: Black Violin perform at the Kids Inaugural concert for children and military families, one of the events ahead of the second-term inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: Presidential puppets are shown in the Kids Inaugural concert for children and military families, one of the events ahead of the second-term inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington January 19, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: John Thornton plays a trumpet as Washington prepares for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

: President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama speak to volunteers at Burrville Elementary School January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event was part of the National Day of Service, the first official event of the 57th presidential inauguration weekend. (Martin H. Simon-Pool/Getty Images)

: A man takes a picture of his wife standing next to Shepard Fairey’s portrait of U.S. President Barack Obama, based on a photograph by Mannie Garcia, at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington on January 19, 2013, two days before Obama’s second inauguration. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images)

: Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps wait to perform on the National Mall as Washington prepares for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) O

: Members of the US Army’s Old Guard’s Fife and Drum Corps perform on the National Mall, January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. Preparations for this Monday’s ceremonial inauguration for US President Barack Obama’s second term continue. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: Workers make final preparations on the inaugural plattform at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Capitol is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

: Workers make final preparations on the inaugural plattform at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Capitol is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

: Workers set up the main stage at the U.S. Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: A U.S. Capitol Police officer Jeffery stands guard on the inauguation plattform at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

: A worker vacuums a platform at the U.S. Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: A worker adjusts flags on the U.S. Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: Preparations continue on the U.S. Capitol for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21, uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: Preparations continue for the Presidential Inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 16, 2013. US President Barack Obama will be ceremonially sworn-in for a second term on January 21. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

: Workers secure a large flag decorating the west front of the United States Capitol as preparations are made on Thursday, January 17, 2012, for Monday’s inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, DC. (George Bridges/MCT)

: A worker washes chairs near the U.S. Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21: uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: Preparations continue on the U.S. Capitol for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21, uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: Preparations continue on the U.S. Capitol for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21, uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: Agence France-Presse technician Richardo Criales (L) works on a tower on the US Capitol erected for media coverage for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21, uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. (Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images)

: Preparations at the reviewing stand continue for the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama January 15, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama is scheduled to be sworn in officially at the White House on January 20th, and again in a ceremonial event at the U.S. Capitol on January 21st. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

: Reporters interview officials, including FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Debra Evans Smith (R) at the Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC) in an undisclosed location in the Maryland suburbs near Washington, January 15, 2013. The MACC is a central location where security, defense and public safety agencies will coordinate efforts in case of problems during President Barack Obama’s inauguration next week in Washington. (Jonathan Ernst /Reuters)

: Images of the U.S. Capitol and downown Washington appear on screens at the Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC) in an undisclosed location in the Maryland suburbs near Washington, January 15, 2013. The MACC is a central location where security, defense and public safety agencies will coordinate efforts in case of problems during President Barack Obama’s inauguration next week in Washington. (Jonathan Ernst /Reuters)

: Officials including the Commander of the Military District of Washington U.S. Army General Michael Linnington (L), U.S. Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers (3rd R) and Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier (R) wait to address reporters at the Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC) in an undisclosed location in the Maryland suburbs near Washington, January 15, 2013. The MACC is a central location where security, defense and public safety agencies will coordinate efforts in case of problems during President Barack Obama’s inauguration next week in Washington. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: An iPhone app displays information about the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 14, 2013. Organizers unveiled the first-ever smartphone app for a US presidential inauguration on Monday, allowing users to track Barack Obama’s swearing in, sign up for events and check maps for the closest toilets. The Presidential Inaugural Committee’s debut application for iPhone and Android users provides a front-row seat for people not in Washington on January 21, while offering tips to attendees on how to navigate the vast security apparatus set up for the big day. It will also provide live-stream video of Obama’s swearing in for a second term, locations of viewer access points, schedules for events nationwide, and historical facts and figures about the 56 previous presidential inaugurations. (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)

: Staff Sgt. Serpico Elliott, a stand in for U.S. President Barack Obama, waits to be introduced on stage during a rehearsal for the presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

: Actors portraying U.S. President Barack and his official party join other stand-ins for a dress rehearsal of the swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol, Washington DC, January 13, 2013. The official inauguration and swearing-in is January 21, 2013. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

: Actors portraying U.S. President Barack and his official party join other stand-ins for a dress rehearsal of the swearing-in ceremony at the US Capitol, Washington DC, January 13, 2013. The official inauguration and swearing-in is January 21, 2013. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

: Staff Sgt. Serpico Elliott (L), stands in for President Barack Obama during an inauguration rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol, on January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

: U.S. Army Military District of Washington Major General Michael Linnington (C, on steps), Commander of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR), is flanked by actors portraying U.S. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden as they arrive to review troops during a dress rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, January 13, 2013. The official inauguration and swearing-in will take place on January 21, 2013. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

: Members of the military band perform during a dress rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 13, 2013. The official inauguration and swearing-in will take place on January 21, 2013. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

: Members of the military honor guard take their positions during a dress rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 13, 2013. The official inauguration and swearing-in will take place on January 21, 2013. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

: U.S. Army trumpeters and drummers take their spots below the presidential reviewing stand for a rehearsal for next week’s inauguration ceremonies to mark the start of President Barack Obama’s second term in Washington, January 13, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: A member of the U.S. Navy salutes during a parade rehearsal for next week’s inauguration ceremonies to mark the start of President Barack Obama’s second term in Washington, January 13, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: General view of the west front, with construction still on-going, during a dress rehearsal on a misty and foggy day, for the inaugural of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol, Washington DC, January 13, 2013. The official inauguration and swearing-in is January 21, 2013. (Mike Theiler/Reuters)

: Members of the U.S. Army Band, also called “Pershing’s Own,” stand ready along Pennsylvania Avenue during a dress rehersal for the Presidential Inaugural parade January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

: A woman purchases shirts at the official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Committee’s gift shop January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. Souvenir shops and other businesses continue to prepare for the 57th US presidential inauguration where US President Barack Obama will be sworn in for his second term as the 44th President of the United States. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: Pins are seen at the official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Committee’s gift shop January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. Souvenir shops and other businesses continue to prepare for the 57th US presidential inauguration where US President Barack Obama will be sworn in for his second term as the 44th President of the United States. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: People go over details during an inauguration rehearsal on Capitol Hill January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: Components of the inaugural parade march down Pennsylvania Avenue during a rehearsal for the presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

: A technician tests microphones on the stage during a rehearsal for the inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Washington January 13, 2013. The inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama will take place here on January 21. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

: Signs designate seating areas for VIP’s during a rehearsal for the presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

: A worker uses a pulley to bring a bag to the top of a camera tower before an inauguration rehearsal on Capitol Hill January 13, 2013 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will be ceremonially sworn in for a second four-year term during the 57th Inauguration on January 21. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

: Members of the U.S. armed services arrive at the U.S. Capitol to line the parade route during a rehearsal for next week’s inauguration ceremonies to mark the start of President Barack Obama’s second term in Washington, January 13, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

: Members of the U.S. armed services arrive at the U.S. Capitol to line the parade route during a rehearsal for next week’s inauguration ceremonies to mark the start of President Barack Obama’s second term in Washington, January 13, 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Confident Obama lays out battle plan as he launches second term
Matt Spetalnick and John Whitesides | Reuters
10:20 p.m. EST, January 21, 2013

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A confident President Barack Obama kicked off his second term on Monday with an impassioned call for a more inclusive America that rejects partisan rancor and embraces immigration reform, gay rights and the fight against climate change.

Obama’s ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol was filled with traditional pomp and pageantry, but it was a scaled-back inauguration compared with the historic start of his presidency in 2009 when he swept into office on a mantle of hope and change as America’s first black president.

Despite expectations tempered by lingering economic weakness and a politically divided Washington, Obama delivered a preview of the priorities he intends to pursue – essentially a reaffirmation of core liberal Democratic causes – declaring Americans “are made for this moment” and must “seize it together.”

His hair visibly gray after four years in office, Obama called for an end to the partisanship that marked much of his first term in the White House in bitter fights over the economy with Republicans.

“We cannot mistake absolutism for principle, or substitute spectacle for politics, or treat name-calling as reasoned debate,” Obama said from atop the Capitol steps overlooking the National Mall.

Looking out on a sea of flags, Obama addressed a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people that was smaller than the record 1.8 million who assembled on the mall four years ago.

Speaking in more specific terms than is customary in an inaugural address, he promised “hard choices” to reduce the federal deficit without shredding the social safety net and called for a revamping of the tax code and a remaking of government.

The Democrat arrived at his second inauguration on solid footing, with his poll numbers up, Republicans on the defensive and his first-term record boasting accomplishments such as a U.S. healthcare overhaul, financial regulatory reforms, the end of the war in Iraq and the killing of Osama bin Laden.

But fights are looming over budgets, gun control and immigration. Obama, however, has sounded more emboldened because he never again needs to run for election.

SECOND TIME TAKING OATH

When Obama raised his right hand and was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, it was his second time taking the oath in 24 hours – but this time with tens of millions of people watching on television. As he spoke, the president beamed as chants of “Obama, Obama!” rang out from the crowd.

Obama had a formal swearing-in on Sunday at the White House because of a constitutional requirement that the president take the oath on January 20. Rather than stage the full inauguration on a Sunday, the main public events were put off until Monday.

It was another political milestone for Obama, 51, the Hawaiian-born son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas.

During a triumphant parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, the president and first lady Michelle Obama thrilled cheering onlookers by twice getting out of their armored limousine and walking part of the way on foot, as they had done four years ago. Secret Service agents kept close watch.

In the evening, the couple visited the two formal inaugural balls – down from 10 in 2009 – to celebrate with supporters. At both, Obama and the first lady danced to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” performed by singer Jennifer Hudson.

Swearing in ceremonies to Inaugural balls: Scenes from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

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